Salary for Senior-level / Expert Security Operations Engineer during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Security Operations Engineer salary lies between USD 120,000 and USD 227,500 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 15, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Security Operations Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Operations Engineer job listings are Cloud, Incident response and SIEM. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Cloud | 100 jobs Incident response | 91 jobs SIEM | 75 jobs Monitoring | 74 jobs AWS | 63 jobs Compliance | 61 jobs Automation | 60 jobs Python | 59 jobs Computer Science | 50 jobs Vulnerabilities | 47 jobs SOC | 46 jobs Privacy | 41 jobs Azure | 40 jobs EDR | 39 jobs Strategy | 38 jobs CISSP | 38 jobs Scripting | 38 jobs NIST | 37 jobs Vulnerability management | 36 jobs Threat intelligence | 35 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Security Operations Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Security Operations Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Team events. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 84 jobs Health care | 64 jobs Team events | 62 jobs Equity / stock options | 40 jobs Competitive pay | 38 jobs Flex hours | 37 jobs Salary bonus | 34 jobs Startup environment | 29 jobs Medical leave | 27 jobs 401(k) matching | 20 jobs Parental leave | 20 jobs Flex vacation | 20 jobs Insurance | 16 jobs Fertility benefits | 11 jobs Wellness | 9 jobs Home office stipend | 9 jobs Transparency | 7 jobs Gear | 6 jobs Fitness / gym | 6 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 5 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Security Operations Engineer typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary is often the largest component, accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, usually ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can add another 5-10% to the total compensation. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market. Industry-specific factors can also influence salary composition, with financial services and healthcare often offering higher bonuses due to the critical nature of security in these sectors.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 180,000, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Security Operations Manager or Director of Security Operations. These positions not only offer higher salaries but also provide opportunities to influence strategic decisions within an organization. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry, attending conferences, and contributing to open-source projects can also enhance your reputation and open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Finally, negotiating your salary based on market research and your unique skills and contributions can lead to a more favorable compensation package.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Security Operations Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for roles that involve strategic decision-making or leadership responsibilities. A strong foundation in computer science principles, networking, and cybersecurity is essential. Additionally, coursework or experience in areas like cryptography, ethical hacking, and risk management can be beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some of the most valuable certifications for a Senior Security Operations Engineer include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

These certifications cover a range of skills and knowledge areas, from general security management to specialized offensive and defensive techniques.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Security Operations Engineer is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in the cybersecurity field. This experience should include hands-on work in security operations, incident response, and threat analysis. Experience with security tools and technologies, such as SIEM systems, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and endpoint protection platforms, is crucial. Leadership experience, such as managing a team or leading security projects, can also be a significant advantage.

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